medicall_editor Bat Bite Can Carry Zoonotic Virus, Learn How to Treat a Bat Bite
How to treat a bat bite can be handled by injecting rabies vaccine. This is also one of the most effective ways to prevent rabies vaccine.
Zoonotic is an infectious disease transmitted from animals to humans. The transmission occurs due to virus particles in the saliva of infected animals that enter the body of humans or sensitive animals, for example through bites. Bats are known to carry many types of zoonotic viruses. Based on research, sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia are the areas most threatened by diseases due to virus transmission from bats to humans. When humans are bitten by bats, they are potentially to get infected by rabies. For that matter, it’s important to learn how to treat a bat bite. Before going further to know how to treat a bat bite, take a look at how bat bite causes rabies.
Bat Bite Causes Rabies
Generally, the transmission of rabies occurs through animal bites, especially dogs or cats. However, other animals’ bites such as bats can also cause rabies. Rabies virus basically cannot absorb or infiltrate intact human skin without injury. It is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, bites, bursts of saliva that enter the wound in the skin or mucous lining (in the eyes or mouth), and scratches by finger nails of animals contaminated by infected saliva. The transmission due to bat bites generally happens in forest areas or in caves.
When humans are bitten by an animal infected by rabies virus, the virus will enter the blood vessels and spread in the body. When it reaches the brain, the rabies virus will multiply rapidly. This can cause severe inflammation of the brain and spinal cord which endanger the sufferer’s condition and potentially cause death. The spread of the virus will occur more quickly if the sufferer experiences a bite or scratch on the neck or head area.
For that matter, if you are bitten by bats, recognize several things in how to treat a bat bite.
How to Treat a Bat Bite
Learn the first line treatment of rabies if you are bitten by bats in how to treat a bat bite:
- Wash the wound under running water for 15 minutes.
- Wash the wound with soap.
- Clean antiseptics such as povidone iodine in the wounds.
Generally, humans infected by rabies virus will usually be treated in quarantine and receive two injections of rabies vaccines in how to treat a bat bite. The first vaccine will be injected in the site of the bite and the second vaccine will be administered on the ground for 14 days.
However, if the wounds are in low risk injuries, the sufferer doesn’t always need rabies vaccine right away. A direct examination is needed by the doctor for proper treatment.
In addition, there are some ways to prevent rabies virus infection:
- Get rabies vaccine if you plan to travel rabies endemic area.
- Vaccinate pets.
- Keep pets from contact with animals infected with rabies.
- Avoid approaching wild animals.
Bear in mind the importance of rabies vaccine, especially if you’re going to travel to rabies endemic areas. Rabies vaccine could be one of the ways in how to treat a bat bite. Fortunately, Medi-Call offers for those of you who want to get rabies vaccine handled by professional doctor. Our doctor will come to your location to give the best treatment for you and your closest. Get this offer by contacting Medi-Call hotline or through Medi-Call application on your smartphone.
Symptoms of Rabies
The initial symptoms of rabies begin with symptoms such as fever, muscle weakness, tingling, feel burning at the bite site. When the virus continues to attack the central nervous system, the sufferer will become hyperactive and excited and lead to exhibit erratic behavior.
There are other signs of rabies:
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
- Excessive saliva
- Swallowing problem
- Fear of water
There are also other effects of rabies that can cause paralysis. Infected people slowly become paralyzed and can lead to death. Furthermore, WHO found that 30 percent of the impact of rabies is paralysis. Therefore, if you or your closest are bitten by bats or other animals, see a doctor immediately to get further treatment.
